[center][u]Jarless Myriane Ashgold[/u][/center] The Jarless of Ashfall sat quiet in her seat, watching the proceedings of the Jarlmoot with what seemed to be an air of musing cheer. This was her first Moot, and also her first time meeting most of the other Jarls sitting around her. She returned whatever greetings she received with smiles and gracious words, but otherwise kept to herself, learning more about the Jarlmoot with each passing pleasantry. She had a good idea of each Jarl's character and mannerisms, if only through brief observations and the words of others. The Monk, Otrygg, made some interesting speech about the state of the kingdom and the need for a new king, and at the mention of kingship, the Jarl of Tyr stood and put forth his name for the Crown. There was some talk of agreement with his claim, until the Jarl of Coldmarch brought up an important point.

[i]War.[/i]

Henrik's reply was one that even Myriane expected, and she was about to begin speaking when another of the Jarls raised their voice above the rest. The old, withered Jarless of Hjalder's Vale took a stand. She spoke with a clarity unexpected from one as old as she, and by the time she had finished, none could miss the wisdom contained in her words. This time, however, the young Jarless wouldn't let her chance to speak fly from her hands. Without missing a beat, she directly follows up Eyildr's comments by clearing her throat and moving to stand. Slowly and deliberately, she rises gracefully to her feet, her voluptuous golden curls (and other endowments) bouncing subtly as she comes to a respectful standing posture. When she opens her mouth, the voice that rings out through the hall was carefully filled with a song-like mixture of charm, mirth, and maybe an unnoticeable lining of Magic.

[i]"Wise words, oh Jarless of Hjalder's Vale... as expected of one with your greatness of years. Now, if I may, I will take my turn to speak."[/i] On this note, she allows for a moment of silence where somebody may object to her presence there. It was a clever timing, as the age of the woman who had spoken before her served to further amplify her appearance of youth and beauty in their eyes. She continues, blue eyes tracing the faces of each Jarl sitting in attendance...

[i]"It is a great honour for me to speak be able to speak here today, at this most important of meetings, to discuss the crowning of the very first King in my time as Jarl. I have listened to Jarl Henrik's claim to the crown, and have heard many tales speaking of his strength, and of his loyalty to the late King."

"As Jarless Eyildr has spoken before me, our King need not merely be strong, nor honourable or loyal. The King of Norsia must show sound judgment, they must be able to fight for the safety of the realm without succumbing to his fancies, or to his bloodlust. So, has Henrik shown us he is able to make decisions, knowing that the fate of the entire realm may rest on his shoulders? I believe that he has, spoken right before us today!"

"Gothra, who we gracefully allowed to share our peace, seethes in spite for the very vows which saved them and their people! Even now, the flames of revenge burn hot in their hearts as they glare lustfully at lands that are rightfully ours! War is a horrible, dangerous thing that bends the hearts of sane men, and what better evidence of this than this treachery? Gothra hides behind a deception of peace, while they truthfully gather their forces in preparation to break their vows. Caution should always be shown in times of war, Jarless Eyildr speaks the truth, so we must be prepared to protect the safety of the Kingdom when our enemies join banners against it. Henrik has already spoken his true judgement, he has said that we must protect what is ours, and stand up against the Gothran threat. This is why I feel that Jarl Hendrik of Havarr has shown all he needs to be a strong, just King. Now..."[/i]

Ending her speech, Myriance redirects her attention directly to the prospective King. She meets Henrik's eyes when she speaks to him, letting her nearly flirtatious feelings of respect pass unseen by the Jarls gathered around them-

[i]"Jarl Henrik Havarr of Tyr, I believe that your words are as true as your merits. I support your claim to the Crown, and with me, you have all of the support Ashfall has to offer. I have but one request, and that is that I may receive a place in your council in exchange for my fealty to your Lordship. While I am new among your ranks, and lacking in the respect or experience of the others in this Moot, you will find that I am quite capable at what I do, and that I will not betray your expectations if given the opportunity. That is all I have to say, so at that, I will take my seat-"[/i] and so she did, leaving the Jarls to discuss her ambitious request. She did not expect her proposition to be accepted, but she needed whatever potential chances she could make for herself, if she was to earn the respect of her fellow Jarls.